Name of ticket or Independent: Independent.

Are you a mayoral candidate? No.

Are you currently an Orange councillor? No.

Age: 36.

Family: I’m married to Lisa and we have a nine-year-old son David.

What do you do for a living? I am a TAFE student.

How long have you lived in Orange? 34 years.

What is the best part of living in Orange? The community, good services and the scenery.

Why are you running for Orange City Council? I am running with the aim of being an advocate for Orange and people with disabilities. 

How would you assess the performance of the current council? The current council has had some wins, like the resurfacing of the Northern Distributor Road, but other areas of town need attention. We need better visibility for motorists and pedestrians on some roundabouts, particularly the corner of Byng and Anson streets. Overall they have performed adequately, but there is a definite need for more diversity.

If elected, would you lobby to reduce, maintain or raise rates? If you would reduce them, which services or council undertakings would you eliminate to do so? Obviously lower rates would be preferred, however if there was a specific need for a particular service I would take this into consideration. We already pay quite high rates and the public needs to see value for money.

Council has budgeted $17 million for roadworks in the next road-building season. Is this enough? Which roads should get priority? Yes, as long as this buys quality roadworks. We could always spend more money but there are always other services which require funding. With increased traffic flow council needs to continue to maintain roads which lead onto the Northern (and southern) Distributor. We need to look at options to improve traffic flow in Peisley Street.

What is your plan for the Northern Distributor Road? To encourage further development. 

Do you agree with the industrial re-zoning at Orange airport? No, the small villages around Orange have their own unique identities and these should be preserved. 

What specific uses for the former Electrolux factory will you pursue or support? It could be used as a centre for youth to utilise for activities and a learning environment. However, if demolition was required, the removal of asbestos would be a something to consider

Do you agree with real estate agents and property developers being on council? Why or why not? No, I believe this to be a conflict of interest. 

What are the best ways council can help businesses prosper in the city? Business owners in the CBD could be offered a parking permit to have daily access to a car park near their place of business. In order to attract new businesses to Orange, council could offer to subsidise their rent for an initial period of time. 

Is there enough parking in Orange? If not, where should additional car parks be constructed? The old netball courts at Moulder Park could be used for additional car parking.

Do you support the proposed purpose-built sporting complex council has acquired land for to the north of the city? Yes, as long as we can obtain state and federal funding to assist in its construction. We can attract quality events with a state-of-the-art facility like this. This would enhance tourism and therefore money flowing in to our city

Are there any major projects you would champion if you elected? I would champion more housing for homeless people and crisis accommodation.